STOKE boss Mark Hughes has praised "honest and brave" Jack Wilshere for putting his reputation on the line by signing for Cherries.

Wilshere's fine form on loan from Arsenal at Vitality Stadium won him a recall to Gareth Southgate's England squad this month. And former Manchester United striker Hughes drew parallels between Wilshere's rejuvenation in Dorset and the manner in which Joe Allen has thrived since leaving Liverpool for Stoke in the summer.

“I think Jack’s situation is very similar to Joe’s,” said Hughes. “Clearly Jack’s an outstanding young player and he probably got to the time in his career – given the injuries he’s had – where he needed a fair run at playing week in week out.

“He’s been honest enough and brave enough to realise that probably wasn’t going to happen and has been told that’s the case.

“It was a decision that maybe surprised people because it was Bournemouth. But why should that surprise people? He’s gone to a team which plays good football, which is what he wants to do. They are a settled, calm club with management that looks solid.

“So he knows it’s a stable club to rebuild his career and get playing time. Initially people might have been taken aback by the decision but if you look a little bit deeper it makes a lot of sense for Jack.

“We could all look at players who perhaps took the easy option – taking your money and sitting back and being part of a bigger club with the benefits that brings without playing week in, week out, without that demand on you as an individual.

“So credit to him and to Joe for being prepared to put their reputations on the line, week in, week out which all top players want to do.”